G20 Summit: ICC high hopes for marked progress

The U.S. doesn’t take positions in the various disputes between China and its Asian neighbors, but is concerned about freedom of navigation and wants conflicts resolved peacefully and lawfully. To come into effect, 55 nations together responsible for at least 55 per cent of global emissions must ratify. The leaders also had a “candid exchange” over the arbitration case between China and the Philippines, the White House said.

Climate change, efforts to reduce surplus production capacity in steel and other industries and limits on use of tax havens are all hot topics, said the AP on Wednesday.

The altercation occurred out of sight of Obama, who greeted ambassadors and other officials before the presidential motorcade pulled away with Rice. A Chinese official kept reporters and some top White House aides away from the president, prompting a US official to intervene.

The Chinese government has broad control over domestic media and prevents many foreign media outlets from publishing in the country, including by blocking their websites.

In January, more than six percent of the shares were re-allocated to dynamic emerging market and developing countries as part of an effort to achieve a better balance between over-represented and under-represented members. So far, with China and the United States’ ratification, almost 40 percent of carbon emissions are covered.

In its Paris commitment, the USA promised to cut its own emissions 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. China vowed that its emissions, which are still growing, will top out by 2030.

Excess steel capacity in particular has been a hot-button issue for many G20 countries this year, amid a slowdown in global demand that has led to a steel glut, layoffs and idled mills.

Lawmakers of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress voted to adopt “the proposal to review and ratify the Paris Agreement”, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Although a decision on whether or not the Hinkley Point C project in Somerset will go ahead is expected this month, United Kingdom officials indicated it would not be announced at the meeting with the Chinese leader – fuelling speculation the plan will be scrapped or significantly altered.

China previously committed to its emissions peaking “around 2030”, a declaration made on an earlier visit by Obama, when he announced a target for the U.S. to cut its own emissions 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.

Both countries also promised to publish their respective “mid-century, long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies” as well as engage in technical collaboration and consultation on their strategies. And, he said, there’s little concrete that the leaders can do to counteract a rising tide of anti-free-trade and anti-globalization sentiment in developed economies, primarily the US and Europe.

Though Obama had early hopes for forming a close personal and professional relationship with Xi, who took office in 2013, many in Washington have been surprised by the Chinese leader’s nationalist inclinations as president.

Along with it, the United States – the second biggest emitter – is also expected to announce it is formally joining the Paris Agreement ahead of the meet. Xi too is scheduled to have a number of one-to-one meetings including with US President Barack Obama.

His next stop will be Laos, the first visit by a sitting president.